THE restoration of a 60-year-old railway bridge is underway with plans for its makeover to be unveiled later this year.

Jerry Watts, who runs Hungate Cottages, in Pickering, discovered the old bridge last year and began clearing the undergrowth and rubbish to reveal what was left of the historic bridge.

He is now encouraging local residents to submit their memories and any photographs they may have of the bridge as the restoration gets underway.

“We want any memories of the bridge, photographs would be great as well,” he said.

“We are going to give it some new railings and a lick of paint, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, who are pretty giddy about it, have volunteered to put some track on it to show people what it would have looked like.

“We are also hoping to get the tourist information centre involved so we can put an information board up.”

Mike Kitching, owner of Hungate Cottages, is helping Jerry with the restoration and already knows some history of the bridge.

According to Jerry, it was Mike’s great, great grandfather who insisted that the bridge, which closed in 1953, was built so that he could bring his cattle into the town.

Jerry hopes that the bridge will be reopen towards the end of this year, but during the restoration, which is being done by staff at Hungate Cottages in their spare time, he wants residents to submit any memories they may have.

Information about the bridge can be sent to Jerry Watts at Hungate Cottages, Pickering, YO18 7ET, or by phoning him on 01757 476382.

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